Shelter From the Storm
"That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer
wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You belong
here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a
home. He's using us all - irrespective of how we got here - in what he is
building." (Eph 2:17 THE MESSAGE)
Southern Ontario was in the grips of a major winter storm. It was the second
in two days, and two more major storms were in the forecast for the upcoming
half a week. Everyone was talking about the cluster of storms, but this one
was my concern. More than 30 cm of snow was predicted, with sharp winds and
white-out conditions. Driving home would be a real adventure.
I listened to the local radio station as I crept along, squinting past the
blowing snow to try to see which parts of the road had been cleared and
which hadn't. The local police were asking everyone who didn't need to be on
the roads to please stay home, and fortunately, many must have complied
because there was relatively little traffic. The storm desk was open, and
every 15 minutes there was an update of all the cancellations for the
region. Schools closed at noon, evening youth programs were canceled.
Handicapped transit was canceled. Outpatient rehab centers closed early.
Even the local college and university canceled all classes and evening
programs. Interestingly, the mall stayed open …
Needless to say, I was quite happy to pull into my garage, and after closing
the garage door to the blinding blizzard, I sat in my car for a few moments,
just relaxing in the security of home.
The storm continued throughout the night, and as I watched the snow drifts
deepening, I was overcome by a sense of peace and security. I couldn't help
thinking how nice it was to have a place where I could be dry and warm, to
have shelter from the storm. But as I reflected on this, I realized that
there was more to my sense of security than just shelter. As I looked
around, I could see various members of my family carrying out their normal
routines, all safe and sound, and I marveled at the love that filled my
home. Yes, this feeling of peace and security that I was experiencing was
not only brought on by shelter from the storm. The warmth and love I felt
from my family played an important role as well!
This made me think about my life as a Christian. Although the world throws
storm after storm, sometimes making every step a burden, I don't have to be
out in the storms of life. I can rest at home, in the shelter and love of
Jesus Christ.
Paul tells us that when we become Christians, we are no longer "wandering
exiles", but we have a "new home", in the "kingdom of faith". That means
that when the storms of life come our way, we don't have to be stuck out on
the streets to weather the wintery blasts. Instead, we are encouraged to
come "home", to our "new home", our "kingdom of faith". There we will find
shelter from the storm.
How can you go home to the "kingdom of faith"? By simply putting your trust
in the One who has promised to "save you from the fowler's snare and from
the deadly pestilence." In the One who will "cover you with his
feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;" In the One whose
"faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Ps 91:3-4 NIV) That is
the Kingdom of Faith, my friends! That is your new home! That is where you
find comfort, shelter, love, and acceptance.
So no matter what the storm in your life looks like; whether it be a winter
snow squall that you have to drive in, or the loss of a loved one or job,
illness or strife-whatever it may be!-You have shelter from that storm! Use
it! Put your faith in the One who loves you above all else! Let Him carry
you through!
Interestingly, once I finally arrived home that day, I was no longer worried
about the storm. In the same way, once I give the storm of my life to Jesus,
I no longer need to worry either. I can simply rest in Him and watch blowing
snow from the safety of His arms!
Are their winter storms in your life, my friends? If so, remember you are no
longer a wandering exile! You have shelter from the storm! All you have to
do is "go home" to Jesus. Give Him your problem. Rest in His arms, and you
will be able to simply watch the storm go by!
And you won't even have to worry about shoveling the snow off of the
driveway the next day, either!
In His love,
Lyn
Lyn Chaffart, Mother of two teens, Speech-Language Pathologist, Author and
Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural
Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems,
www.scripturalnuggets.org ,
with Answers2Prayer Ministries,
www.Answers2Prayer.org